USMNT Faces Bosnia in Round of 16 Showdown
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The U.S. national team’s opponent in the Round of 32 has been pretty much set since Bosnia and Herzegovina defeated Qatar on Wednesday.
However, following a 3-2 defeat to Türkiye on Thursday, that confirmation has become official.
A key match for advancing to the Round of 16 is lined up for Wednesday when the U.S. faces Bosnia in Santa Clara at 8 PM.
“They’re a solid team. This Round of 32 clash is definitely a do-or-die situation,” stated Berhalter. “We’re prepared. We also hope our supporters are geared up too.”
This marks the USMNT’s strongest opportunity to succeed in a World Cup finals since their quarterfinal advancement after beating Mexico in 2002. It’s been 24 years since that victory, making it their last win in finals play.
Since then, they’ve faced early exits in the last 16 against Ghana in 2010, Belgium in 2014, and the Netherlands in 2022. Notably, this is the first World Cup featuring a Round of 32.
Before the match against Bosnia was confirmed, manager Mauricio Pochettino sidestepped direct questions about it, focusing instead on the importance of winning in Thursday’s exhibition against Turkey.
After qualifying for the World Cup with a win over Italy, Bosnia enters as the underdog, having recorded a 1-1-1 record in Group B (a victory over Qatar, a draw with Canada, and a loss to Switzerland). Still, it’s a mistake for the U.S. to underestimate them.
Bosnia’s squad, featuring key players like Edin Dzeko and Kerim Alaibegovic, has previously achieved its best World Cup result in 2014, but they have yet to get past the group stage since then.
The last outing for the U.S. men’s national team at SoFi Stadium was during a match in front of sparse attendance ahead of their World Cup opener against Paraguay.
In that CONCACAF Nations League match, the stands were predominantly filled with Mexican fans. The U.S. suffered defeats to both Panama and Canada, while Mexico played in the other match of the doubleheader.
When asked about the contrast in crowd support now compared to then, Pochettino noted, “It’s like night and day.”
“When we connect, we connect,” he added. “It’s been challenging to create that connection. But now, when the fans are engaged, it energizes everyone—players and staff alike. There’s something special about it, and it’s a feeling that truly pulses through you.”
Chris Richards, one of four players who received yellow cards and will miss Thursday’s match, expressed confidence that the extended break leading up to the Round of 32 wouldn’t hinder their performance.
“Fitness will be fine. Sharpness should be good too,” he commented. “Sure, having some rhythm is helpful… but I believe we’ll be ready for the next game.”
Cristian Roldan, on the other hand, was unable to participate in Thursday’s squad due to a lingering quadriceps injury he experienced throughout the week.
